On Thursday, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court sent a notice to ex-Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused in the National Herald money laundering case, asking them to appear and be heard regarding the chargesheet filed against them. The court noted that earlier gaps in the chargesheet have now been addressed, and the current matter is whether a notice under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) should be allocated. The judge emphasised that since the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the chargesheet, they have the right to present their side before the court considers taking cognisance of the case. The next hearing is scheduled for May 8. 

The court observed that the case is still in its preliminary phase. The accused have a special right to present their side before the court decides whether to proceed against them. This protection is granted under a specific clause in Section 223, which offers the accused a distinct or sui generis legal safeguard at this early stage. The court further clarified that this right does not conflict with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and should be interpreted to benefit the accused. 

The court highlighted that allowing the accused to be heard at any point during legal proceedings is essential to ensuring a fair trial. It also noted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would not be negatively affected by permitting the accused to present their case at this stage.

Meanwhile, the Additional Solicitor General, speaking on behalf of the ED, stated that the agency has no objection to issuing such a notice and supports upholding fairness in the trial process. 

The Enforcement Directorate has accused Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul of planning a "criminal conspiracy" to "usurp" properties belonging to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of National Herald, valued at Rs 2,000 crore. According to the agency, they transferred 99% of AJL's shares to a private company, Young Indian, for just Rs 50 lakh. The firm is reportedly under the control of Sonia and Rahul.

In connection with the National Herald money laundering case, the ED has named Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as accused.